Beluga XL, the world’s largest cargo plane, has made headlines again with its impressive arrival at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. This massive aircraft, known for its distinctive design and unparalleled cargo capacity, is a key player in transporting oversized cargo.
On the morning of October 9, 2023, it touched down in Kolkata for the second time, following an earlier visit just a few days prior. Its journey from Tianjin Binhai International Airport in China marked another milestone in aviation history for Eastern India.
The Magnificent Beluga XL
The Beluga XL is not just an engineering marvel; it represents the pinnacle of modern aviation logistics. Manufactured by Airbus, this cargo plane is designed to carry enormous and heavy items, particularly components for Airbus aircraft.
Its unique whale-like shape, which inspired its name, allows it to carry oversized cargo that would not fit in conventional planes. The plane is an upgraded version of the Beluga ST, which had been in service for many years, but the XL variant boasts increased capacity and improved efficiency.
With an overall length of 207 feet, a height of 62 feet, and a wingspan of 197 feet and 10 inches, the Beluga XL truly lives up to its “world’s largest” title. These dimensions allow it to carry significantly larger cargo than its predecessor, making it indispensable for the global transportation of aircraft parts and other bulky items.
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Its cavernous hold can accommodate two A350 XWB wings or any similarly oversized components in a single trip, showcasing its exceptional payload capacity.
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The Beluga XL is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 turbofan engines, which give it the necessary thrust to lift its immense weight and cargo. The aircraft can reach a cruising speed of Mach 0.69 (approximately 740 km/h), ensuring that it can swiftly and efficiently transport goods across continents.
The Purpose Behind the Kolkata Stop
The Beluga XL’s recent landing at Kolkata was part of a larger mission. The aircraft arrived in Kolkata from Tianjin Binhai International Airport in China, one of the world’s busiest air hubs.
According to an Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson, the stop in Kolkata was necessary for crew rest, to comply with Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), and to refuel before continuing its journey to its next destination: Bahrain International Airport.
Kolkata was strategically chosen for this stop because of its location and the fact that it is the only airport in Eastern India equipped to handle an aircraft of the Beluga XL’s size. The city’s airport, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, is one of India’s major aviation hubs and has the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the world’s largest cargo planes.
The Beluga XL was originally scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on October 13, 2023, but was delayed by almost 24 hours, finally landing at 5:47 a.m. on October 14. Its stopover provided aviation enthusiasts and airport staff alike the rare opportunity to witness this behemoth up close.
According to Airbus, the Beluga XL has been designed with long-haul journeys in mind. Its stopover in Kolkata highlights the importance of strategic refueling points across the globe. These pit stops are crucial for such large aircraft, as they need specially equipped airports that can handle their size and the unique logistics they require.
In this case, Kolkata played host to one of the most significant planes in modern aviation, further cementing its status as an important hub in the international aviation network.
A Landmark Event for Kolkata’s Aviation Sector
Kolkata’s first encounter with the Beluga XL occurred just a few days before this latest landing, on October 8, 2023. That day marked the first time that the world’s largest cargo plane had landed in the city, making it a historic event for the region’s aviation industry. The aircraft, which had once seemed like a distant marvel for many, was suddenly a real and awe-inspiring sight on the tarmac.
For Kolkata, the arrival of the Beluga XL was a significant event, not only from an aviation standpoint but also from a logistical and infrastructural one. It was a clear demonstration that the city’s airport has the capability to handle some of the largest and most advanced aircraft in the world. This boosts the airport’s prestige and positions it as a key player in global aviation logistics, especially for oversized and specialized cargo.
The airport authorities, recognizing the significance of the event, shared their excitement on social media, posting on X (formerly known as Twitter): “For the first time, Kolkata’s NSCBI Airport welcomed the Airbus Beluga XL, the largest in its series, carrying essential aircraft components. The flight stopped in Kolkata for crew rest, FDTL, and refueling, as it’s the only airport in Eastern India equipped to handle this aircraft.”
This landmark event has further raised Kolkata’s profile in the international aviation scene, showcasing its ability to cater to the needs of aircraft as advanced as the Beluga XL. It is a sign that the city is increasingly becoming an important stop for major global flights, particularly in the cargo sector.
The Beluga XL’s Role in Global Aviation
The Beluga XL is a crucial asset for Airbus, the European aerospace giant. Its primary role is to transport large aircraft parts between Airbus production facilities located across Europe. With factories scattered across various countries, Airbus relies on a highly efficient logistics network to ensure that different components are transported swiftly and safely. This is where the Beluga XL plays a pivotal role.
Designed to meet the growing demands of Airbus’s production line, particularly for the A350 XWB wide-body aircraft, the Beluga XL can carry a larger payload than its predecessor, the Beluga ST.
The Beluga XL fleet, consisting of six aircraft, is vital for maintaining Airbus’s tight production schedules. Its ability to carry large parts, such as entire wings or fuselage sections, ensures that Airbus can continue to build its planes at a competitive pace, while also reducing the number of flights required for transporting components.
While the primary purpose of the Beluga XL is to serve Airbus’s internal transportation needs, it has also gained fame for its unique design and massive size. Aviation enthusiasts around the world follow its movements, eagerly anticipating its arrival at various airports.
The plane’s distinctive whale-like shape, with its bulbous upper fuselage and smiling beluga whale face painted on the front, makes it an instantly recognizable and much-loved sight in the skies.
The aircraft is also highly adaptable and can be used for various other oversized cargo transport missions beyond Airbus. For example, it can transport spacecraft, satellites, helicopters, and even industrial machinery. The versatility of the Beluga XL makes it an indispensable tool in the world of aviation logistics, able to carry cargo that simply wouldn’t fit in any other plane.
The arrival of the Beluga XL at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport marks a significant moment for both the city and the world of aviation. As the largest cargo plane in the world, the Beluga XL represents the cutting edge of aviation technology, with its massive size, impressive capacity, and crucial role in the transportation of oversized cargo.
Its landing in Kolkata underscores the airport’s growing importance as a key refueling and rest point for large international flights, further enhancing its standing in global aviation.
For Kolkata, the Beluga XL’s landing is more than just a spectacle; it is a testament to the city’s readiness to handle the world’s most advanced aircraft. As global aviation continues to evolve, Kolkata’s airport is poised to play an even greater role in the logistics chain, serving as a critical link for the movement of essential cargo.
The Beluga XL, with its unmistakable design and immense capabilities, will continue to capture the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its presence in Kolkata is a reminder of the incredible feats that modern aviation can achieve and the vital role that cargo planes play in keeping the world connected.
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